Tail stock for a long vertically suspended workpiece that will experience heat expansion

Abstract

A method of supporting a rotating member of a tailstock includes rotating a rotating member coupled to a workpiece support slidably mounted in a housing of the tailstock, causing the rotating member to shift along a longitudinal axis in a first direction, and measuring an amount of vertical displacement of the rotating member.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of supporting a rotating member of a tailstock comprising:
 rotating a rotating member coupled to a workpiece support slidably mounted in a housing of the tailstock; 
 causing the rotating member to shift along a longitudinal axis in a first direction; and 
 measuring, during operation, an amount of displacement of the rotating member along the longitudinal axis with a displacement sensor. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein measuring the amount of vertical displacement includes detecting a change in position of the workpiece support. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2 , wherein measuring the amount of vertical displacement includes directing a laser displacement sensor mounted to the housing at a target mounted to the workpiece support. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein causing the rotating member to shift includes moving the workpiece support through a linear bearing. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein causing the rotating member to shift includes moving a shield member coupled to the rotating member and extending about a first portion of the workpiece support over a stationary housing extending about a second portion of the workpiece support. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein causing the rotating member to shift includes processing the workpiece. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6 , wherein biasing the rotating member includes compressing a spring extending about the workpiece support. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: biasing the rotating member along the vertical axis toward a second direction opposite the first direction.